Maximization of data transmission via multiple links in the presence of crosstalk

Abstract

A system and method for transmitting data streams subject to crosstalk, in which an adjustable parameter, preferably data rate, is adjusted using feedback of performance characteristics, preferably signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and line attenuation, maximizing total throughput of the data streams. The invention is particularly applicable to inverse multiplex (IMUX) systems, where total throughput is more important than the throughput of any individual data stream.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for transmitting data streams that are subject to crosstalk, comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of communication links, each said communication link having a respective performance characteristic, at least one said communication link having an adjustable parameter;    (b) a mechanism for measuring said performance characteristics; and,    (c) a mechanism for adjusting said at least one adjustable parameter in response to said mechanism for measuring said performance characteristics.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said communication links include digital communication links.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one adjustable parameter includes a data transmission rate.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said performance characteristics include signal-to-noise ratios.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said performance characteristics include line attenuations.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said performance characteristics include bit error rates.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said communication links include communication links of an inverse multiplex data transmission system.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each said communication link has an adjustable parameter, and wherein the system is operative to adjust all said adjustable parameters.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 (d) a controller operative to set an initial value of a said adjustable parameter to a value unlikely to induce unacceptable crosstalk.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 (d) a memory operative to store a value of at least one said at least one adjustable parameter; and    (e) a controller operative to set an initial value of a said adjustable parameter based on a value thereof stored in said memory.    
     
     
         11 . A method for transmitting data streams via a plurality of communication links that are subject to crosstalk, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing: 
 (i) a mechanism for measuring a respective performance characteristic of each of the communication links; and,  
 (ii) a mechanism for adjusting a respective adjustable parameter of at least one of the communication links;  
   (b) transmitting a signal via at least one of the communication links in accordance with said adjustable parameter thereof;    (c) measuring said respective performance characteristic of at least one of the communication links; and,    (d) if a said at least one performance characteristic is outside of a respective preselected range, adjusting said at least one adjustable parameter until every said at least one performance characteristic is inside said preselected range thereof.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said transmitting includes transmitting respective signals via at least two of the communication links, substantially simultaneously.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each said at least one adjustable parameter includes a data transmission rate.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said performance characteristics include signal-to-noise ratios.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said performance characteristics include line attenuations.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said performance characteristics include bit error rates.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each said communication link has an adjustable parameter, and wherein all said adjustable parameters are adjusted to bring every said at least one performance characteristic within said preselected range thereof.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: 
 (e) selecting an initial value, of each said adjustable parameter, that is unlikely to induce unacceptable crosstalk.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: 
 (e) storing a respective value of said at least one adjustable parameter.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of: 
 (f) upon starting the system, initializing a said adjustable parameter based on a corresponding said stored value thereof.